For those of you that love your tech, you have probably already got your hands on the Garmin Fenix 7 multisport GPS watch. We had only just got used to the 6 which we were massive fans of so we were keen to see what the Fenix 7 had that the 6 didn’t. Like every update that Garmin adds to its extensive range of GPS sports and running watches, it comes with additional features. It is also available in various styles and prices and, yes, it is more expensive. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from the latest activity watch to come from Garmin. 

Garmin Fenix 7 – The Watch for Serious Training and Competition 

Whether you are training for an ultra marathon, an Ironman, half marathon, cycling sportive or a CrossFit competition, the Garmin 7 is designed for those that take their training and competition seriously. Unlike many activity watches, it doesn’t just assume you have already pre-programmed your training programme and is there to record your achievements, it will help you understand your current fitness, set goals that are realistic and allow you to train to your potential. The Garmin Fenix 7 is designed to enhance your training and make it even easier for you to achieve the end game. 

While largely it has the same features as the Fenix 6 range, first launched in 2019, it obviously has new, enhanced features – otherwise, who is going to buy it? 

The Garmin Fenix 7 Features 

  • A realtime stamina metre that shoes how your energy is doing during your workout, allowing you to adjust your efforts accordingly. Great if you’ve over done. 
  • All the sensors you would expect including Garmin’s Elevate 4 optical heart rate monitor, altimeter, compass, SpO2 sensor, and temperature sensor. 
  • Great GPS navigation tools, on-board music storage and Garmin Pay. On the downside, if you were hoping for a hands free microphone, it has yet to have been updated with this. 
  • Touchscreen display.
  • The Fenix 7X watches has a three-LED flashlight on the top of the watch

Garmin Fēnix 7 Multisport GPS Watch

Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar 

Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar

fenix 7

Race Prediction Times 

Like the 6, the 7 also features Race Prediction Time – something that the serious competitor loves. We have heard feedback on this from some that it the times that it predicts may be a little unachievable but we haven’t really put the shorter distances to the test ourselves yet. The race times for various distances are based on your training regime and real data that is received by the watch when you work out but it is important to programme your Garmin Connect to take full advantage of the stats including max heart rate, weight etc. 

Various Styles and Sizes

Like its predecessor, the Fenix 6, the Garmin Fenix 7 comes in 3 sizes – 42mm, 47mm and 51mm. It also comes in Standard, Solar and Sapphire Solar editions. 

Garmin Fenix 7

While it is similar in style to the 6, it has a thinner bezel and the added bonus of being touch sensitive, as long as you are not in the middle of a workout. 

Of course, it’s early days and too early to review in full – it’s going to take time to go through all the features and get the full picture on this latest activity tracker but early indications are promising 

Currently, it is available to buy direct from Garmin with prices starting at £599.99. The top tier of this watch is priced at £859.99.  

Battery and Charging 

If you were hoping for contactless charging then you are going to be disappointed. The charger is the same as the 6 so there is nothing new here. When it comes to battery life, the largest model will last up to 5 weeks in smart mode. 

The bottom line is, if you are happy with your Fenix 6, or are still baulking at the cost of upgrading to the 6 then you won’t be ready for the 7. If youre happy with your 6, you aren’t going to need the 7. If you’re new to running and not really serious about your sports, it’s also not advisable. This watch is for those who are competitive, serious about their sport and are looking for the best in activity tracking. 

In Summary

While there are many pros to the updated Fenix, there are also some downsides, especially when you consider the price. 

Pros 

  • New race predictor time feature
  • Easier to track your goals and performance 
  • Touch sensitive when not in workout mode 
  • Same robust case but thinner bezel 
  • Flashlight on the Fenix 7X model

Cons 

  • Similar features to Garmin 6 including size and battery life – not much more for the price 
  • Same charging method as Garmin Fenix 6
  • No hands free microphone 

Keep an Eye Out For Fenix 6 Deals

Of course, a new watch at a higher price points also means there will some deals to have on the Garmin Fenix 6 Range so keep your eye on prices. They tend to fluctuate every time a new model is released and you will find flash sales from time to time on all models. 

Check Garmin Fenix 6 Prices

Have you purchased the Garmin 7 yet? Did you buy it to replace the 6? We’d love to hear your feedback.